Man Charged for Shining Laser, Victoria, Australia
Man charged for shining laser at police chopper - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Police are angry after a man allegedly shone a laser at the police helicopter as it flew over Hampton Park, in Melbourne's south-east last weekend.
The crew used an infra-red device to identify and film the accused as he allegedly shone the laser at the chopper.
Police went to a house and charged a 21-year-old Cranbourne man with interfering with aircraft, reckless conduct endangering life and possessing a prohibited weapon.
The man could face a two-year jail sentence if he is convicted of the commonwealth offence of interfering with crew or an aircraft.
He will appear in court in November.
Police Air Wing Inspector Mark Stella says Melbourne has the highest number of incidents involving laser lights.
He says it is important that everyone understands the danger of pointing a laser at an aircraft.
"The ultimate consequences of this could be catastrophic and could result in the loss of many lives, both in aircraft and on the ground," he said.
"Victoria Police will take strong and immediate action to prosecute anyone who uses these lasers against any aircraft."
From ABC News site
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